Sophronia's mother is so happy that Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has accepted Sophronia because her mother doesn't think there's any hope for her becoming a lady. Sophronia has definite reservations, especially when her adventures begin on her way to the school -- before she has any idea what she's in for. Because this is a finishing school like no other. Yes, it will teach her the necessary skills to be a lady--along with those necessary for assassinations and espionage.
Taking place in the Victorian Era, Etiquette & Espionage manages to combine historical, paranormal and steampunk elements while providing interesting, diverse characters who have some wild adventures, mostly because of Sophronia. She's a force to be reckoned with, and is very determined and bold.
The adventures are far-fetched, but they're supposed to be. You can't go in expecting anything realistic. There is a specific item the girls are working to find, but I mostly enjoyed the banter between the characters and just learning about this world. This fantasy world makes you wish it were reality. The excitement ramps up as you get closer to the ending, and this episode ties up quite nicely.
I'm glad there's more, though. The second book, Curtsies & Conspiracies, and the third, Waistcoats & Weaponry are already available. I think this series has great appeal for a lot of teen readers.
Published by Little Brown BFYR, 2013
Copy obtained from the library
307 pages
Rating: 4/5
I've had this book for awhile, just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. It looks so fun! I need to get to it soon.
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